Hey Guys. Hope we are all well ahead of the big one tomorrow
.
Had the day off today which I have duly spent watching reruns of 07 and 09
Got a bit bored this arvo though and decided to write something, helps deal with the nervous anticipation I am feeling. Thought I might as well post it here. If it doesn't really command its own thread feel free to move it mods.
Anyway here we go, my take on the journey from where we were at the back end of 2010 to where we sit now.
As the final siren rang on Geelong’s 2010 season many felt that it was ringing on our dynasty too. Humbled in convincing fashion by a ruthless magpies outfit, the players limped off the MCG that night bested by some 41 points. In truth that margin flattered us; the game was all over by quarter time as we were comprehensively outplayed. We had a little bald headed superstar by the name of Ablett to thank that it wasn’t more. The manner in which the magpies scythed through us with speed and choked us with the much vaunted ‘forward press” seemed to justify the critic’s claims that this cat’s side was no longer the force they had been.
As the dust settled on the season, we were dealt another blow, the news we had feared to hear all season long came to pass, Ablett was gone. It came as no shock, most suspected it would be the case, but until it was officially announced we dared to cling to hope. Ultimately a fool’s hope was all it proved to be. I’m sure I was not the only cats fan to shed a tear that day, as the Brownlow medal winning genius, so many times a match winner, sat at the press conference in the red of Gold Coast and confirmed his defection to the North. No longer would the little master be weaving his magic down at Skilled Stadium, mesmerising fans with his breathtaking skills and breaking the lines with his pace. It was a day of sadness for Cats fans everywhere as the realisation hit that he was gone forever more.
Alas as if that blow was not enough, soon after the next bomb was dropped. Mark Thompson announced his decision to leave; the man who helped engineer those past 4 years of champagne football was gone. It seemed to confirm what was being written, the era was truly over, the epitaph was written, and the whole of the football world believed us a spent force. For how could this Geelong side, so good for so long, be a contender once again? Even with Ablett they had fallen a long way short, so subtract the games best player, add another year into an already ageing side and you had all the evidence you needed to write the Cat’s off. The days of domination it seemed were finally over.
As the Eulogies on The Cat Empire were written, cats fans reflected on 83 victories, 2 premierships and a host of individual honours achieved over 4 fantastic seasons of the most entertaining football imaginable courtesy of a daring and attacking brand produced in the face of an era previously dominated by floods and negative tactics. But the journey was not to end here, no, the boys from Kardinia Park were a proud bunch, competitive animals who despised losing and whom had no intent on giving up on the dream of a 3rd premiership triumph. The players pride was pricked following the Collinwood debacle, and this produced a steely determination to prove the doubters wrong. The fire was still very much burning down at Geelong.
Enter Chris Scott, our new coach, a man of the utmost integrity, a leader of men in every sense, a fiery and passionate competitor as was evidenced by his deeds on the field. He impressed us all with the way he spoke upon his appointment, and suffice to say he won Cat’s supporter’s affection immediately. There was no doubting he had big shoes to fill, this was a club that had become accustomed to success. And so it was that Scott made his intentions clear right off the bat, “this side can still challenge for a premiership” he boldly declared. “Madness!” cried the Journalists and cynics alike, determined in their assessment that this side was a spent force. You could tell in the way he spoke that he believed what he said, and it gave cats fans hope once again, could we still be a force in 2011?
He would immediately leave his mark; a long off season was spent overhauling the game plan. The handball happy Geelong style of play had been exposed in 2010 and it was abundantly clear that for success in 2011, things would need to be different. Our first look at the “new Geelong” came in round 1 against the Saints, a great rival of ours over the past few seasons and a side with whom many a fierce battle had been contested. The script held true, it was a ferocious slog out in the wet, a true battle that went right down to the wire when up stepped the super sub, the veteran Darren Milburn, who stood tall and goaled with just 25 seconds remaining to provide a winning start to 2011.
Few will forget the images of that night, the raw emotion Chris Scott showed in the box, emotions cats fans could relate to. He was riding every bump, celebrating every goal, bemoaning every mistake and the sheer joy he showed at the victory was the very same all cats fans were feeling. One round in and Scott had already won the admiration of the Geelong faithful. In many ways it was a defining victory, the cats showed the never say die attitude indicative of the playing group and proved that this Geelong side still belonged at the top. The win was quickly followed by three more, including a fine effort in the west, in typical fighting fashion against the much fancied Fremantle. Yet the doubters remained, the side, although sitting pretty at 4-0 was still being questioned. “The cracks were beginning to show” one famous article claimed. Too old, too slow and not enough firepower up forward the naysayers continued to argue. “When they play a top side they will surely come undone.”
And so it was we met with our rivals the Hawks in a hotly anticipated round 5 clash. The hawks got the jump on us that racing to a 26-0 lead and things were not looking good. But they are a different breed these cats, and soon enough the quality came to the floor. The cream always rises to the top they say, and the likes of Selwood, Bartel, Scarlett, Johnson and Chapman put rest to the Hawks and a heroic 19 point victory was forged. The core of this champion side remained and they were playing like the champions they were.
If those who doubted Geelong were the real deal in 2011 needed any more of a reminder they were dealt one when in round 8 Geelong exacted vengeance upon their conquerors of 2010 the Magpies, edging out a 3 point victory in a thriller 65-62. A controversial ending to the game overshadowed the Cat’s performance in many circles of the media, but amongst cats fans this was a result that left no doubt we could return to the summit in 2011. In truth if not for some poor kicking early on the game would have been over much earlier and it could have been an even more convincing result.
When we overcame the big improvers of 2011 in the form of Carlton a week later, we found ourselves sat comfortably atop the table, an 8-0 record and baring unquestionable title credentials. This side was taking all before them and doing so in an emphatic manner that was reminiscent of Geelong circa 07. The cats would improve this record to a remarkable 13-0, including a second triumph over the Hawks before finally coming unstuck against a determined Bombers outfit in round 15, losing one punter a million dollars but not worrying the Cats one iota. Even a loss to the eagles in the proceeding round could not be criticized too much as this was a period of heavy training and weakened line ups as the cats set themselves for a premiership tilt.
Scott was priming this list for September, with a top 2 spot all but assured, little need now be done but get through to the finals with a fit side. He had been carefully managing players all season long, 2-3 changes were being made a week in the ultimate player management plan. It was fair to say he had completely reinvigorated this side adding some youngsters into the mix to accompany the old hands that had made up the core of the side. Still boasting some 14 All Australians in the squad, the quality of the line up was unquestionable and it was almost unthinkable that there had been so many doubters prior to the season. To add to the senior players Scott threw in the likes of Menzel, Duncan, Christensen, West, Vardy, Taylor Hunt, Cam Guthrie to help reinvent the side and he was repaid in spades for their selections with a series of glistening performances. The game plan has shifted from attacking with handball and run off the half back line to long kicking and getting it inside 50 fast, this game plan has paid dividends all season. The attacking flair of the side still remains, the willingness to attack through the corridor that so thrills the crowd, thankfully is still key to the way the players set up.
The road to the finals saw some indifferent form which showcased the best and worst of Geelong. Few will ever forget rounds 19 and 20 as Geelong tuned up with the most dominant of displays including an incredible record breaking 233-47 demolition job over the Demons, followed by an emphatic 188-38 win over the Gold Coast suns. A loss to the swans provided a timely wake up call, and it was received loudly and clearly as the cats produced another demolition job, this time on flag favourites the Magpies. A lot has been written about that round 24 game and the motivation levels of our opposition that night. I will not argue that they put the cue in the rack very early on and it would be foolish to read too much into the score, or to expect anything slightly similar tomorrow but re watching that first quarter I can’t help but feel that our game plan could be kryptonite for the pies. Don’t dismiss that game entirely, take confidence from it and know that we have beaten our grand final opponents twice this season.
The finals campaign has been fairly comfortable, coming in off a 19-3 season, there were great expectations and so far they have been met. A blistering third quarter was enough to crush the Hawks once again, fulfilling the vow the players made to never lose to them again. It was a game in which we controlled proceedings for the majority of the night with Brad Ottens, ever the finals specialist producing a best on field performance. Last week a tired Eagles outfit were easy prey in the preliminary final and it should ensure our boys are feeling the fresher of the two line-ups. The only hiccups have come in the form of injury. Young Menzel’s injury was a tragedy and his absence will be sorely missed whilst Steve Johnson finds himself in the proverbial race against time to play. Whatever you do, don’t write Johnson off just yet though. People have been writing us off all season, and right now there is a lot of egg on those people’s faces.
So here we stand the final stop on this footballing journey, an incredible 4th grand final in 5 seasons looking to write ourselves into footballing immortality by snaring a 3rd flag. We were written off, told we could no longer win it, yet this side has defied all thus far.
Somewhat ironically as the boys prepare to go into battle once again on footballs biggest stage, they go in as favourites with the bookies. Yet no matter the result tomorrow I could not be prouder to be a Geelong fan. This is a special club and these past 5 years have been a special period in its history. Enjoy tomorrow as you have enjoyed the past few years and never forget
We are Geelong, the greatest team of all.
.Had the day off today which I have duly spent watching reruns of 07 and 09
Got a bit bored this arvo though and decided to write something, helps deal with the nervous anticipation I am feeling. Thought I might as well post it here. If it doesn't really command its own thread feel free to move it mods.Anyway here we go, my take on the journey from where we were at the back end of 2010 to where we sit now.
As the final siren rang on Geelong’s 2010 season many felt that it was ringing on our dynasty too. Humbled in convincing fashion by a ruthless magpies outfit, the players limped off the MCG that night bested by some 41 points. In truth that margin flattered us; the game was all over by quarter time as we were comprehensively outplayed. We had a little bald headed superstar by the name of Ablett to thank that it wasn’t more. The manner in which the magpies scythed through us with speed and choked us with the much vaunted ‘forward press” seemed to justify the critic’s claims that this cat’s side was no longer the force they had been.
As the dust settled on the season, we were dealt another blow, the news we had feared to hear all season long came to pass, Ablett was gone. It came as no shock, most suspected it would be the case, but until it was officially announced we dared to cling to hope. Ultimately a fool’s hope was all it proved to be. I’m sure I was not the only cats fan to shed a tear that day, as the Brownlow medal winning genius, so many times a match winner, sat at the press conference in the red of Gold Coast and confirmed his defection to the North. No longer would the little master be weaving his magic down at Skilled Stadium, mesmerising fans with his breathtaking skills and breaking the lines with his pace. It was a day of sadness for Cats fans everywhere as the realisation hit that he was gone forever more.
Alas as if that blow was not enough, soon after the next bomb was dropped. Mark Thompson announced his decision to leave; the man who helped engineer those past 4 years of champagne football was gone. It seemed to confirm what was being written, the era was truly over, the epitaph was written, and the whole of the football world believed us a spent force. For how could this Geelong side, so good for so long, be a contender once again? Even with Ablett they had fallen a long way short, so subtract the games best player, add another year into an already ageing side and you had all the evidence you needed to write the Cat’s off. The days of domination it seemed were finally over.
As the Eulogies on The Cat Empire were written, cats fans reflected on 83 victories, 2 premierships and a host of individual honours achieved over 4 fantastic seasons of the most entertaining football imaginable courtesy of a daring and attacking brand produced in the face of an era previously dominated by floods and negative tactics. But the journey was not to end here, no, the boys from Kardinia Park were a proud bunch, competitive animals who despised losing and whom had no intent on giving up on the dream of a 3rd premiership triumph. The players pride was pricked following the Collinwood debacle, and this produced a steely determination to prove the doubters wrong. The fire was still very much burning down at Geelong.
Enter Chris Scott, our new coach, a man of the utmost integrity, a leader of men in every sense, a fiery and passionate competitor as was evidenced by his deeds on the field. He impressed us all with the way he spoke upon his appointment, and suffice to say he won Cat’s supporter’s affection immediately. There was no doubting he had big shoes to fill, this was a club that had become accustomed to success. And so it was that Scott made his intentions clear right off the bat, “this side can still challenge for a premiership” he boldly declared. “Madness!” cried the Journalists and cynics alike, determined in their assessment that this side was a spent force. You could tell in the way he spoke that he believed what he said, and it gave cats fans hope once again, could we still be a force in 2011?
He would immediately leave his mark; a long off season was spent overhauling the game plan. The handball happy Geelong style of play had been exposed in 2010 and it was abundantly clear that for success in 2011, things would need to be different. Our first look at the “new Geelong” came in round 1 against the Saints, a great rival of ours over the past few seasons and a side with whom many a fierce battle had been contested. The script held true, it was a ferocious slog out in the wet, a true battle that went right down to the wire when up stepped the super sub, the veteran Darren Milburn, who stood tall and goaled with just 25 seconds remaining to provide a winning start to 2011.
Few will forget the images of that night, the raw emotion Chris Scott showed in the box, emotions cats fans could relate to. He was riding every bump, celebrating every goal, bemoaning every mistake and the sheer joy he showed at the victory was the very same all cats fans were feeling. One round in and Scott had already won the admiration of the Geelong faithful. In many ways it was a defining victory, the cats showed the never say die attitude indicative of the playing group and proved that this Geelong side still belonged at the top. The win was quickly followed by three more, including a fine effort in the west, in typical fighting fashion against the much fancied Fremantle. Yet the doubters remained, the side, although sitting pretty at 4-0 was still being questioned. “The cracks were beginning to show” one famous article claimed. Too old, too slow and not enough firepower up forward the naysayers continued to argue. “When they play a top side they will surely come undone.”
And so it was we met with our rivals the Hawks in a hotly anticipated round 5 clash. The hawks got the jump on us that racing to a 26-0 lead and things were not looking good. But they are a different breed these cats, and soon enough the quality came to the floor. The cream always rises to the top they say, and the likes of Selwood, Bartel, Scarlett, Johnson and Chapman put rest to the Hawks and a heroic 19 point victory was forged. The core of this champion side remained and they were playing like the champions they were.
If those who doubted Geelong were the real deal in 2011 needed any more of a reminder they were dealt one when in round 8 Geelong exacted vengeance upon their conquerors of 2010 the Magpies, edging out a 3 point victory in a thriller 65-62. A controversial ending to the game overshadowed the Cat’s performance in many circles of the media, but amongst cats fans this was a result that left no doubt we could return to the summit in 2011. In truth if not for some poor kicking early on the game would have been over much earlier and it could have been an even more convincing result.
When we overcame the big improvers of 2011 in the form of Carlton a week later, we found ourselves sat comfortably atop the table, an 8-0 record and baring unquestionable title credentials. This side was taking all before them and doing so in an emphatic manner that was reminiscent of Geelong circa 07. The cats would improve this record to a remarkable 13-0, including a second triumph over the Hawks before finally coming unstuck against a determined Bombers outfit in round 15, losing one punter a million dollars but not worrying the Cats one iota. Even a loss to the eagles in the proceeding round could not be criticized too much as this was a period of heavy training and weakened line ups as the cats set themselves for a premiership tilt.
Scott was priming this list for September, with a top 2 spot all but assured, little need now be done but get through to the finals with a fit side. He had been carefully managing players all season long, 2-3 changes were being made a week in the ultimate player management plan. It was fair to say he had completely reinvigorated this side adding some youngsters into the mix to accompany the old hands that had made up the core of the side. Still boasting some 14 All Australians in the squad, the quality of the line up was unquestionable and it was almost unthinkable that there had been so many doubters prior to the season. To add to the senior players Scott threw in the likes of Menzel, Duncan, Christensen, West, Vardy, Taylor Hunt, Cam Guthrie to help reinvent the side and he was repaid in spades for their selections with a series of glistening performances. The game plan has shifted from attacking with handball and run off the half back line to long kicking and getting it inside 50 fast, this game plan has paid dividends all season. The attacking flair of the side still remains, the willingness to attack through the corridor that so thrills the crowd, thankfully is still key to the way the players set up.
The road to the finals saw some indifferent form which showcased the best and worst of Geelong. Few will ever forget rounds 19 and 20 as Geelong tuned up with the most dominant of displays including an incredible record breaking 233-47 demolition job over the Demons, followed by an emphatic 188-38 win over the Gold Coast suns. A loss to the swans provided a timely wake up call, and it was received loudly and clearly as the cats produced another demolition job, this time on flag favourites the Magpies. A lot has been written about that round 24 game and the motivation levels of our opposition that night. I will not argue that they put the cue in the rack very early on and it would be foolish to read too much into the score, or to expect anything slightly similar tomorrow but re watching that first quarter I can’t help but feel that our game plan could be kryptonite for the pies. Don’t dismiss that game entirely, take confidence from it and know that we have beaten our grand final opponents twice this season.
The finals campaign has been fairly comfortable, coming in off a 19-3 season, there were great expectations and so far they have been met. A blistering third quarter was enough to crush the Hawks once again, fulfilling the vow the players made to never lose to them again. It was a game in which we controlled proceedings for the majority of the night with Brad Ottens, ever the finals specialist producing a best on field performance. Last week a tired Eagles outfit were easy prey in the preliminary final and it should ensure our boys are feeling the fresher of the two line-ups. The only hiccups have come in the form of injury. Young Menzel’s injury was a tragedy and his absence will be sorely missed whilst Steve Johnson finds himself in the proverbial race against time to play. Whatever you do, don’t write Johnson off just yet though. People have been writing us off all season, and right now there is a lot of egg on those people’s faces.
So here we stand the final stop on this footballing journey, an incredible 4th grand final in 5 seasons looking to write ourselves into footballing immortality by snaring a 3rd flag. We were written off, told we could no longer win it, yet this side has defied all thus far.
Somewhat ironically as the boys prepare to go into battle once again on footballs biggest stage, they go in as favourites with the bookies. Yet no matter the result tomorrow I could not be prouder to be a Geelong fan. This is a special club and these past 5 years have been a special period in its history. Enjoy tomorrow as you have enjoyed the past few years and never forget
We are Geelong, the greatest team of all.
